The brook is, definitely, a symbol for life.

There are many examples of parallelism between life and the brook:

(i) Infancy: There is a striking parallel between human life and the life of the brook. As an infant suddenly appears in this world, the brook makes a ‘sudden sally’ or emerges suddenly from the place of its birth.

(ii) Youth: In human beings this is the period when ‘life’ is at its peak. One is strong, full of enthusiasm and dynamism. All his movements are dynamic and full of action. Similarly, in its youth, the brook shows enthusiasm in its movement. It also shows anger.

“By thirty hills I hurry down
Or slip between the ridges.”

The other words which express its youthful movement are ‘bickers’, ‘frets’ and ‘chatters”.

(iii) Life-Support System: The brook is symbol for life. It provides a support system to life. The brook is full of ‘trouts’ and ‘graylings’ which provide food for animals and human beings.

(iv) Old Age-Leisurely Movement: Before it ultimately joins the brimming river, the brook sheds its fret and anger. It assumes a leisurely and peaceful demeanour while ‘stealing’ by grassy lawns and plots or ‘sliding’ by hazel covers.